Puella Magi Madoka Magica

TV review by Rachael Ward, Common Sense Media
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Outstanding anime is more violent than you'd expect.

New Video Kids' Animation 2012
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 16 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 85 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Stands out for .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Puella Magi Madoka Magica appears to be a cute animated show for little girls (similar to Sailor Moon), but it's full of dark moments and imagery that is more suited for teens and adults. Witch characters are very creepy, and there's lots of violence between girls and witches and sometimes between girls themselves, including beating, stabbing, and decapitation. Expect a bit of language, including "crap" and "s--t." There is a bit of adult drinking and some girls in short skirts.

Community Reviews

Heather M.
Heather M. Adult
July 9, 2019
age 14+

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much swearing
MarielG2000
MarielG2000 Adult
April 1, 2019
age 12+

I love this anime series SO MUCH!

Wow, I was so happy that CSM gave this cool anime 5 stars! That show deserves it! Awesome theme songs, great animation, pointful plots, the heroines were very good role models, alot of positive messages and cute and sexy designs of the characters. Madoka's mother seldom drinks, the females wear short skirts, the naked Madoka in the OP, the blood and gore, extreme violence and the swear words are not the problems. I watched this since it debuted in 2011 *I was 11* but I think it was for ages 12+. But unfortunately, it got cancelled after 12 episodes. I don't legit get it why some anime will cancel after 12 episodes. So Puella Magi Madoka Magica rocks, so does Sailor Moon, so does Pretty Cure, so does Petite Princess Yucie, so does My Little Pony, so does Shimmer and Shine, so does Little Charmers, so does Lolirock and so does Cardcaptor Sakura. Winx Club and Nella the Princess Knight all suck! *Note: The transformation, attack and fight scenes got me hooked and I like these scenes. Other than that, those shows itself suck.*

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 16 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA, fourteen-year-old Madoka Kaname (voiced by Christine Marie Cabanos) is approached by a strange creature called Kyubey. He tells her that if she makes a contract with him, he will grant her a wish and give her magical powers. But in exchange for her powers, she must fight monsters known as Witches. As Madoka struggles to decide what to wish for, she discovers that the life of a Magical Girl is a tragic one, full of suffering and despair. Is anything she could wish for worth sacrificing her life?

Is It Any Good?

This truly special anime defies genre and takes a common idea for girls' anime -- giving teenage girls magical powers to save the world -- but gives it a darker twist. The result is a story more intent on making its audience think than simply providing entertainment.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica's animation style is full of fluid motion and attention to detail that makes it a uniquely pleasurable experience to watch. Every one of the main characters is well developed and its hard not to get attached to them as the story progresses. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep viewers guessing and the overall messages -- including the idea that a normal life might be preferable to a supernatural one -- are powerful.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the tone of Puella Magi Madoka Magica. How do the creators establish a mood or tone for the series? What would make it a different kind of series? How would you change the series, if you could?

  • Talk about how the violence is presented. Does it improve the story? How would the story be different if it was less violent?

  • Talk about symbols in the series. Who do the witches represent? Are there other symbols you recognize?

  • How do the characters in Puella Magi Madoka Magica demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Sailor Moon Poster Image

    Sailor Moon

    Classic magical girl anime is action-packed and fun.

    age 10+
  • Cardcaptor Sakura Poster Image

    Cardcaptor Sakura

    Cute action-packed magical girl anime with romance.

    age 8+
  • The Legend of Korra Poster Image

    The Legend of Korra

    Strong heroine, positive messages make great fantasy series.

    age 8+

Character Strengths

Find more tv shows that help kids build character.

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    Integrity
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Themes & Topics

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